Boy, 14, Arrested In String Of Oakland County Car Thefts: Police

ROYAL OAK, MI — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a string of car thefts in Royal Oak, according to police.

Officials began investigating after receiving surveillance video from two vehicle thefts that happened between Feb. 27 and March 2 in Royal Oak, according to police.

Investigators said those stolen vehicles were recovered within a mile of where they were taken, according to police.

The video from one of the thefts showed a masked suspect, according to police.

On Tuesday morning, investigators said a Hyundai Sonata was stolen from the 3400 block of Devon Road. Officers found that vehicle a few hours later, unoccupied and parked in the back of an apartment parking lot in the 3800 block of Devon Road, according to police.

The 14-year-old boy then returned to the vehicle at 3:15 p.m. and officers arrested him in connection with the thefts, according to police.

Investigators then linked the teen to a fourth auto theft that happened in late January in the 1900 block of Crooks Road, according to police.

The teen was charged with one count receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle and three counts of unlawful driving away in a motor vehicle. Each of those charges is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

"This is a perfect example of amazing investigative teamwork, which solved four crimes and stopped an out-of-control teen from victimizing more of our residents," Police Chief Michael Moore said.